October's Supporter of the Month Award goes to the 12 brave members of Transaid's Cycle Malawi Challenge, which took place from 1st-11th September.
Back row: Mark Fuller, Dan Prendergast (Freightliner), Daryl Chesney (CILT UK), Jimmy MacKenzie (MacKenzie Haulage), Thomas Giddings (Network Rail), David Stride (Network Rail), Andy Gray, Steve Jones (MAN ERF). Front row: Mike Fox, Geri McCotter (Transaid), Mary Owen, Nicola Slater (IHT), David Robinson
The Challengers from the transport & logistics industry and beyond commited to a personal fundraising target of £2,750 each, together with a strict training regime to join Transaid’s inaugural overseas challenge event. A total of £37,000 in sponsorship has been raised so far, with the money still rolling in.
The group spent five days cycling from the capital city Lilongwe along undulating roads and dust tracks to the spectacular town of Nkhata Bay. They also spent some time at Transaid’s bicycle ambulance project which has enabled local workshops to manufacture trailers that can be fixed onto the back of bicycles to transport sick or pregnant villagers to hospital, sometimes up to 30 km away.
Here's what the challengers had to say about their experience:
"Doing an overseas challenge like this is such an eye opener. The challenge of cycling 460km is a tough one and it gives you a great sense of achievement and accomplishment when you have completed it. I believe that everyone should visit Africa to witness for themselves how much help is needed and how grateful and caring people are. A lot more aid and support is needed and anyone who can help out and contribute should."
Nicola Slater, Institution of Highways and Transportation
"Thank you all for giving me the chance to do something I will never forget and the opportunity to make an improvement to someone's life living in a country far less fortunate than our own."
Dan Prendergast, Freightliner
"To experience first hand the warmth and friendly nature of the Malawian people is something I will never forget."
Steve Jones, MAN ERF
"One of the best things in my time in Malawi was attending the project where the bicycle ambulances are made. All too often we donate money and see no end result, but here was the reason I was in Malawi. I realised that the manufacture of these vehicles was of great importance to the people of Malawi and my little contribution was making a great deal of difference."
Thomas Giddings, Network Rail
"I love Malawi and believed that, through Transaid, you could help to make a difference. We did and we saw the evidence in the workshop. The bonus was cycling for 5 days with 12 supportive, fun loving companions, who shared the same purpose. PS - You don't have to be young or super fit to do it, just committed."
Mike Fox
